This week in nanotechnology, Princeton University researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery in harnessing cellular scaffolding to develop a nanotechnology platform with potential applications in soft robotics, medicine, and biomolecular transport. The researchers have published their findings in an article titled ‘Building on-chip cytoskeletal circuits via branched microtubule networks’ in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

The study focuses on the precise control of biopolymer networks, similar to those found in the cellular skeleton, by building them on a microchip to form a circuit operating with chemical signals. Within cells, tubulin proteins form microtubules, which grow into branching systems and play a crucial role in maintaining cell shape and enabling molecular transport. The researchers were able to demonstrate a method to control the growth of these networks, mimicking the molecular railway system found within cells.

Meisam Zaferani, one of the lead researchers, explained that the inspiration for this study came from the microtubule networks found in the nervous system. These networks not only serve as structures connecting nerve cells but also facilitate the transmission of chemical signals. The research team aimed to explore the practical applications of harnessing these networks, drawing on the expertise of both molecular biologists and mechanical engineers.

This groundbreaking research opens up new possibilities for the development of soft robotics, advanced medicines, and high-precision biomolecular transport systems. The ability to manipulate cellular scaffolding at the nanoscale could lead to significant advancements in various fields, paving the way for innovative technologies and medical breakthroughs.